Colourful and creative Basingstoke Festival returns for 2026

Basingstoke Festival 19th June - 5th July

Three Weekends, credit Paul Blakemore

What's On in Hampshire

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Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to Hampshire events to enjoy across the county in every season.

Hampshire Events

2026 is packed full with exciting moments to share, and events to enjoy. This summer the Utilita Bowl near Southampton will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13th –20th June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do - one of the highlights is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront, perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore - on from the 13th July - 13th September (F). 

For three weekends in June, the streets of Basingstoke town centre will be filled with street theatre, acrobatics, and world-class preformances with the Basingstoke Festival, which celebrates its 15th anniversary - free to visit (F). Whilst in Alton Hampshire head along to the Jane Austen Regency week which runs from 19th - 28th June and includes the chance to  join Jane Austen's family at Chawton House for a Regency picnic. Look to the skies in July, as the Farnborough International Airshow returns with its public open day on the 24th July 26, offering the chance to see aircraft and flying displays, augmented reality and hands-on activities and exhibits, whilst Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.

From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today and make sure you don't miss some of Hampshire top events within your plans.

Spa Day at Hilton Southampton Utilita Bowl

What's on in the Hampshire in May, June and July?

Grab your calendar and take a look at what's happening in Hampshire over the up-coming months with our featured events list or scroll to the bottom and discover hundreds of events happening today, this weekend and across this year.

What's on in Hampshire today?

To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break. 

Staying overnight?

If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.

>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation

Hampshire events near me

The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island. 

What's on in Hampshire

Number of results:

Number of results: 163

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Simply BMW

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply BMW on Sunday 20 September 2026.

    BMW owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum parkland for a superb day out for enthusiasts.

    Dates

    From:
    20 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  2. Ryde Hovercraft Experience Flights

    Type

    Type:

    Tour

    Ryde

    For a unique experience only offered on the South Coast, try a Hovercraft Experience Flights on your next visit to Portsmouth or the Isle of Wight

    Dates

    From:
    1 Mar 2026to27 Sept 2026
  3. Ryde Carnival Main Procession

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Ryde

    Ryde Main Carnival on the Isle of Wight Joyous and inspirational, Ryde Carnival brings a dazzling end to Summer on the Isle of Wight. All are welcome to enjoy the entertaining parades that light up the coastal town with fun, colour and carnival…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Sept 2026
  4. Simply Land Rover

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Land Rover on Sunday 5 July 2026.

    All Land Rover owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.

    Dates

    From:
    5 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  5. Big Wild Weekend

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 August

    10am-5:30pm

    Calling all minibeast detectives, plant enthusiasts and nature lovers of all ages – the Hawk Conservancy Trust are going wild!
    Head to the Hawk Conservancy Trust's Big Wild Weekend – a festival of British…

    Dates

    From:
    8 Aug 2026to9 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:30
  6. Wings and Woodlands Artisan Markets

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Sunday March 22, May 17 and September 20

    10:00am-5:30pm

    The Hawk Conservancy Trust are excited to be collaborating with CW Events to bring their visitors an exciting Artisan Market experience on select Sundays throughout 2026!
    See the Hawk…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:30
  7. Simply VW

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply VW on Sunday 24 May 2026.

    All VW owners were invited to park up in the National Motor Museum grounds for a superb day for both enthusiasts and owners. All ages and models of VW are welcome, which…

    Dates

    From:
    24 May 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  8. The New Forest and Hampshire County Show 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Show / Display

    Brockenhurst

    The New Forest and Hampshire County Show is an annual agricultural show held for three days at the end of July at New Park, Brockenhurst in Hampshire.

    Dates

    From:
    28 July 2026to30 July 2026
  9. Simply Italian

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    Simply Italian, sponsored by Hendy Fiat, will return on Sunday 27 September 2026.

    All Italian car owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up within the museum complex for a superb day out for both owners and enthusiasts.

    Dates

    From:
    27 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  10. Dinosaur Madness

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Binsted

    Experience dinosaurs like never before with our roaming T. rex, baby dino meet-and-greets, and thrilling live shows. Take the dinosaur trail around the Park and discover all the fun facts about these prehistoric creatures, you never know what you…

    Dates

    From:
    23 May 2026to31 May 2026
  11. Father's Day Paddle to the Pub

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Beaulieu

    Treat your Papa to a relaxing paddle on the stunning Beaulieu River this Father's Day with New Forest Activities

    Venue

    New Forest Activities, New Forest

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
    From:
    21 June 2026Open 13:00 - 14:30
    From:
    21 June 2026Open 15:30 - 17:00
  12. Southsea Food Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Southsea

    The annual Southsea Food Festival is back for 2025!

    Dates

    From:
    4 July 2026to5 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  13. A Royal Hunt: History Re-Enactment Weekend

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of The History Re-enactment Weekend on Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 July 2026.

    Join us for an immersive family-friendly weekend where history comes alive with The Marquess of Winchester's Regiment. Step back in…

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026to12 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  14. Steam to the Solent and see four cruise ships depart

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing the cruise ships Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Sky Princess, Ventura in berth, and on your return see a number of the ships depart - always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!…

    Dates

    From:
    8 Aug 2026Open 15:30 - 19:00
  15. Simply Mercedes

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Mercedes on Sunday 9 August 2026.

    All Mercedes-Benz owners are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the museum grounds for a superb day out for owners and enthusiasts.

    Dates

    From:
    9 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  16. Steamship Shieldhall Cruise to Portsmouth Harbour

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Shieldhall will initially steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing the cruise ships Arvia and Queen Anne – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! Then heading east, Shieldhall will pass into Portsmouth…

    Dates

    From:
    6 Sept 2026Open 12:30 - 18:00
  17. Victorious Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Portsmouth

    Victorious Festival returns for 2026 - bringing some of the biggest bands and artists to Southsea Common.

    Dates

    From:
    28 Aug 2026to30 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 23:00
  18. Ryde Carnival Illuminated Procession

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Ryde

    Ryde Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight The very last carnival of the summer, Ryde Carnival's illuminated procession is a fabulous spectacle of light and music that rounds the Isle of Wight carnival season off in style.

    Carnival route …

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026
  19. International Vulture Awareness Day

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Saturday September 5

    10:00am-5:30pm

    The first Saturday in September each year is International Vulture Awareness Day.
    At the Hawk Conservancy Trust, they love vultures, so every day is vulture awareness day! If you would like to celebrate these…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Sept 2026Open 10:00 - 17:30
  20. Steam to the Solent with the Southampton Salty Sea Dogs Shanty Band

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Norwegian Sky and Seven Seas Grandeur depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! We welcome on…

    Dates

    From:
    28 June 2026Open 14:30 - 18:00